Washington Redskins need to reverse trend following a win

By

The Sports Xchange

Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) talks with Redskins head coach Jay Gruden during Week 3 of the NFL season against the Green Bay Packers on September 23, 2018 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI | License Photo

The Redskins are 1-1 in their last two games, 2-2 in their last four, 3-3 in their last six, 5-5 in their last 10, and so on. It leads to a .500 team. Over their last 37 games, the Redskins are 18-18-1.

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is aware of the trend and realizes the team needs to play better in games following a win.

"Well, that's what we're trying to do," he said. "We've been hovering around .500 the last three, four years here. That's something we have to do. We have to be able to handle success equally as well as we handle adversity.

"Even after a big win, you have to work harder the next week. The better you are, the harder you got to work."

The Redskins should not have trouble getting emotionally ready to play this weekend's game against the Dallas Cowboys, which has been a rivalry game for some time. The Redskins were swept by the Cowboys last year.

"We know how important the Cowboys game is to fans in this area," Gruden said.

Nonetheless, Gruden is aware of the trend of being unable to follow a win with a solid performance.

"Hopefully it doesn't take us to get our teeth kicked in like it did on Monday [against the Saints] for us to pick up our tempo in our focus and preparation," Gruden said. "For whatever reason we tend to have a flat game after a big win. That's something we have to talk about."

One thing that might help in the Redskins' preparation is the similarity between Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

"I think it's very similar in what they do," Gruden said. "They can hit you in the pocket, and they can get outside the pocket, and they have all the zone reads. It's good we had some experience with that [on Sunday against Carolina]."

Newton was 27-of-40 for 275 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Washington, and he also rushed for 43 yards.

NOTES:

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TE Vernon Davis had a season-high three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. Despite his age, the 34-year-old Davis continues to be productive.

"He doesn't slow down," Gruden said. "I think it's his diet and work ethic. He takes great care of his body."

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Cornerback Danny Johnson suffered a broken forearm in Sunday's game, but Gruden has not ruled him out for the next game against Dallas. Gruden said Johnson might wear a cast and be ready to go.

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Guard Brandon Scherff aggravated an MCL injury in his knee on Sunday, but he returned to the game.

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Wide receiver Jamison Crowder suffered an ankle injury Sunday, and it is not clear whether he will play against Dallas. Gruden said Crowder won't participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday, and he will be evaluated again on Friday.

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Wide receiver Paul Richardson continues to be bothered by shoulder and knee injuries, but it is the knee problem that is more of a concern. He has played in all five games and had three receptions for 31 yards on Sunday. Gruden said the team will need to monitor Richardson's playing time and keep an eye on his health.